On July 22, 2020, Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, met David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland–Peterborough South, at Lent Lane in downtown Port Hope to announce more than $835,000 in funding to help propel the local arts and tourism sectors.
“Our sectors were hit first, the hardest and will take the longest to recover,” said Minister MacLeod. “As our government moves forward with reopening the province, we are proud to support numerous organizations that build up our unique communities and put our tourism industry on a path to recovery.”
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March, the government has continued to invest in Ontario’s tourism and creative sectors. The Celebrate Ontario program, Ontario Trillium Foundation, and Ontario Arts Council have flowed more than $485,000 to enrich local and visitor experiences. These investments include:
· $74,900 to Critical Mass: A Centre for Contemporary Art to design an app highlighting Port Hopes cultural and heritage space.
· $18,900 to Capitol Theatre Heritage Foundation to engage youth with theatre professionals in a creative learning environment.
· $31,100 to the Cobourg Dragon Boat and Canoe Club to engage youth, families and adults in year-round fitness program involving canoe racing and cross-training activities.
· $309,600 to the Rebound Child and Youth Services to support the positive social development of children and youth in rural Northumberland.
· $53,448 to Westben Arts Festival Theatre to support community activities, including choral and educational programs.
“Ontario’s tourism industry will play a crucial role in the province’s economic recovery,” said MPP Piccini. “Our community boasts remarkable attractions, talent and must visit restaurants, and the social and economic impact of our region is immense. That’s why our government continues to provide the industry with support through programs like Celebrate Ontario, the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Ontario Arts Council and Ontario Creates. This funding is critical for our tourism sector and I am pleased to celebrate these investments with recipients in NorthumberlandPeterborough South.”
Additional funding to deliver locally driven tourism marketing programs was also made possible through a partnership between Destination Ontario and Destination Canada designed to incentivize Ontarians to explore their local communities. The local Regional Tourism Organization has received $350,000 to deliver a much-needed boost to businesses.
The government is committed to continuing its work with our province’s tourism and arts sectors to ensure that as the economy gradually reopens, Ontario will be in the best position to welcome the world back to our province.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
